"The fans are sad, we are sad and the owners are sad," he said, while discussing what he believes is the most important issue of the negotiations. "It's not just about the players who are there today. It's about making sure the future is laid out and making sure we go back and take care of the people who came before us and laid the foundation for us to play the game of football."

Let's just hope that everyone is as sad as Branch says so they can get things moving. I know I'm not the only one that wants to enjoy football in the fall.

It's a big promise for Branch to make, let's hope it's one that he can keep.

Malcom Floyd a good fit in New England

Let's for a second assume that there will definitely be an NFL season this year. It's no secret that the Patriots need a deep threat.

Ever since trading away Randy Moss, the Patriots have been lacking in the deep threat wide receiver department. CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco makes the case for the Patriots signing Malcom Floyd from the Chargers.

"Floyd is tall and can stretch the field as evidenced by his 22.4 per-catch average," Prisco writes. "The Patriots lacked a down-the-field threat when Randy Moss was traded. That really showed up in the playoff loss to the Jets. Floyd would help open up the passing game. He will be 30, so the Patriots would have to be careful with the contract. But he is a player who I think would help Tom Brady in a big way."

The team scored 30 or more points in each of its final eight regular-season games before struggling against the Jets. Floyd would obviously help, but the need isn't particularly high.

Lewis to present Brady

NFL Network’s “Top 100 Players” countdown is a list of the top players in the NFL, voted on by the players.

Tom Brady will in the Top 10 - I know you're surprised. According to WEEI, on Wednesday the Patriots announced that Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will present Tom Brady on the final edition of the show.

Vince Wilfork (35), Logan Mankins (39), Wes Welker (50) and Jerod Mayo (62) were all previously a part of the countdown. Mankins and Mayo were presented by Patriots coach Bill Belichick, while Wilfork had New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma present him and Welker was presented by Buffalo coach Chan Gailey.